Distributed Education is a huge resource for Schulich Medicine. We have the opportunity to do electives and rotations within a HUGE area. This mix of urban (London/ Windsor) and rural medicine allows you to develop very diverse clinical skills.

2. How are students evaluated at Schulich Medicine?

Evaluations change based on the block and vary widely. Evaluations in first year include, end of block exams, assignments, presentations and small group evaluations. Clinical evaluations are done through OSCE exams, which are an excellent preparation to clerkship, residency, licensing and beyond. To learn more about OSCE exams click here

P.S. Yes, we are all pass/fail.

3. Does the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry offer combined programs?

3. How much time do you spend studying?

It varies widely and takes some getting used to. Many people study for “life” rather than for “tests”, something that you can do in a pass/fail system. In fact, many find that by doing that they do well on the tests! However, you find that there is more than enough time to study during the day to have lots of time left for observerships, sports and fun!

4. When do you start working with patients?

It also varies. Most of our weekly clinical sessions are with standardized patients, which really takes some of the pressure off and lets you try things multiple times. Most people consider that a strength of the program, and the patients are amazing. Some sessions will use real patient to demonstrate specific situations. Also observerships can start from the very beginning and you are free to do as many as you want.

5. How close are the Windsor and London Campuses?

Very! Keep in mind that we see each other for 3 hours a day in lecture (there is one giant screen that just shows the class view). We also have several official integration weekends where the London class heads down to Windsor for some fun and learning as well as vice versa.

6. Is it hard to arrange clinical observerships? Can I see surgeries?

The physicians in London & Windsor are very happy to take on students and most people have little difficulty arranging observerships. You will find that doctors will work with you and accommodate you to help you have a great experience. Also, the previous year’s class (that’s us for you guys) will send out an observership list of doctors who have been known to be happy to take on students. Doesn’t get any easier than that. As for surgeries, you will find surgeons just as excited to take you on and should have no problem viewing (and sometimes assisting) surgeries.

7. How many people are at the Windsor Campus?

The class of 2012 had 24 students, the class of 2013 had 30 students, the classes of 2014-2021 each have 38 students in Windsor!

8.What is Video Conferencing (VC) and how does it work?

VC is a system that we use to transmit lectures, talks and meetings between campuses. The system allows you to ask questions, see your peers from both campuses, see the notes the prof makes on the slides and is fully interactive. It takes a few days to get used to, but overall the responses are very positive.

Note that each campus has its own anatomy lab, clinical skills department and small groups.

9. Are classes recorded?

Yes, classes are recorded as podcasts (i.e. audio and visual on slides with annotations from prof). This is an entirely student-driven project.

10. What is the average age of medical students?

Varies by class. We don’t take age into account in our admission process so it can vary widely. There are many people from many backgrounds. Many are straight from undergraduate degrees, some have taken time off, done a graduate degree or have worked for several years before applying for medical school. To give you an idea though, the average age of the class of 2020 is 23.

11. I am a PhD/masters/engineering/arts major will I be ok/ fit in/ do well with the material?

Yes. We have people from all backgrounds, it makes the class more diverse.

ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

1. What are the admissions requirements?

2.How does Schulich Medicine determine who is from Southwestern Ontario?

Some flexibility with the MCAT is given to applicants from Southwestern Ontario. The Schulich Medicine Admissions Committee’s definition of Southwestern Ontario consists of the following counties: Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Elgin, and Essex. If you have attended all four years and graduated from high school in one of these counties, you would be considered a Southwestern Ontario applicant. Please note that all Southwestern Ontario applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts when registering for the interview.

4. What type of extracurriculars are recommended?

None in particular. Do what you love, what interests you and what you think prepares you for a career in medicine. Our interviews are closed, meaning the interviewers don’t know anything about you, so its your job to talk about your experiences.

5. Can my top two years include my first year?

Yes.

6. Where can I stay during the interview weekend?

Information is provided in the interview weekend section closer to the date, but there will be hotels and billeting with friendly medical students available.

7. What is the interview format?

Our interviews are not stressful; rather they are friendly and relaxed. We just want to get to know you, so don’t stress. You will be asked a series of questions by three interviewers (community member, physician and senior medical student) who do not have access to your file. The interview length varies but is about 45 minutes and is a standardized format. Additionally, there will be a short written component to the interview.

8. What is the best way to prepare for the interview?

Go through your experiences and be prepared to provide examples for questions. Mock interviews are a great ideas and you will find lots of common medical school interview questions online.

9. Do we get to select our Campus location?

You will be able to request your Campus location online after you are offered an interview. However, when a site reaches its enrolment limit, successful applicants will be offered admission to the available site.” The official policy is here. The admission requirements at both campuses are the same.